For the last time in the 2019 home and away season, all three Emmaus St Leo’s teams are playing at home at Bennettswood Reserve. As always, the women’s team are kicking off proceedings, and will be playing host to ladder-leaders UHS-VU. The Animalettes are doing some serious soul searching on the back of a six-game losing streak and will be looking to remedy that come Saturday. Last week they showed pure Animals spirit despite being down on the scoreboard by a significant amount and the expectation is that they will do the same on the weekend.
Last time they saw each other, UHS-VU ran away winners incredibly comfortably and since then have kept their perch at the top of the ladder, sitting at 8-1 after 9 games. It doesn’t look as good for the Animalettes who after their 2 wins early on in the season now sit 2-7. UHS-VU are coming off a significantly smaller win than a few they’ve already had against the Hampton Rovers, whilst the Animalettes are still nursing some wounds after a 91-0 loss to Oakleigh. Both teams will have something to prove on Saturday.
At the selection table, Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team will once again be without a bench but they do have one debutant, even this late in the season. Starting back is Claire Anderson, Sam Bridgland and Brooke Chapman, with Shellby Lonie, Kayla Hetherington and Dee Burden at the half back line, providing support. On the wings, Soraya Jeanes makes her return on one side and Grace de Cesare the other. Cassy Dutton will start in the ruck, with Sam Hogarth, Shanelle Blachford, and Abbey Gray, who will don the blue and blue for the first time, at her feet. In the forward half of the ground, Ashleigh Morley, Sheridan Harris and Jess Evans will start at the half forward line, and Bridget Monaghan and Shannon Harris are to share the space deep.
Despite low numbers at training, Emmaus St Leo’s women’s team are still 100% committed and will look to prove their worth against a side making a strong push for the flag. Did UHS-VU have the home ground advantage last time they went into battle against the Animalettes? With 17 players named, will no bench once again inspire some belief and spirit? Get down to Bennettswood Reserve and find out. Stick around to watch the men take on Aquinas in must-win games! First bounce is at 9.20am.
